NOW is the time of year to prepare foals for weaning.

Before a foal is weaned, its digestive system must have reached a sufficient degree of maturity and adaptability to its diet. Sarah Stoneham, Veterinary Nutritionist with TopSpec shares her expert advice on how this can be achieved on page A46.

As weaning can be very stressful, the foal should also be in good health before being separated from its dam. Worming and early vaccinations are important and buyers prefer to see vaccinated foals.

Emma-Rose Conroy MVB MVM, Veterinarian and owner of Euro Stallions (Ireland) Ltd had the following advice for foal owners: “Foals and young horses are more susceptible to worms. Ideally, the worms they are exposed to should be minimised with good pasture management and overall worm control in the herd.

“A foal’s worming programme should begin at four to six weeks, but can start earlier on problem farms. Never use moxidectin in foals less than six months, or those sick or debilitated.

“Foals should be vaccinated against influenza and tetanus. Ideally, the mare will have been vaccinated for both of these within four weeks of foaling. If this is the case, then the foal can have its own vaccination programme at four to six months. Avoid vaccinating and worming at the same time. It is best to have wormed and vaccinated the foal prior to weaning.”

WEANING SYSTEMS

The average age of weaning is about six months, however the choice of age for weaning foals depends on factors such as the health status of the mare and foal, temperament and vices of the mare, the environment into which the foal will be weaned, maturity of the foal at a given age and the level of management on a given farm.

There are three main types of weaning systems:

Complete separation

This is abrupt separation of the mare and foal, the most stressing but also the most commonly used system as it is very successful.

The best way to carry out this method of weaning is to have the mare and foal out in their natural environment (the field). Allow them time to settle and then remove the mare from the field. It is sometimes advised to wean foals in pairs if at all possible.

Incomplete separation

This method of weaning requires the mare and foal to be separated by a big mesh fence or in adjoining stables. This tends to be less stressful than complete separation because the mare and foal are still able to see each other but the foal is not allowed to nurse from its mother.

Gradual separation

This system requires the most time and labour. This method requires the mare and foal to be separated for a certain amount of time each day. The length and number of separations are increased until the foal is never returned to the mare. This process usually takes between five and 10 days.

Each system has its advantages and disadvantages – there is no one system that is right for everyone. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best weaning system.

These factors include the management level of the breeding farm, the condition and temperament of the mare and foal, available facilities, and the number of foals to be weaned during a given period.

Five post-weaning tips

1. Check the mare’s udder daily. If the udder becomes very tight a small amount of milk may be milked out by hand, but repeated milking should be avoided as this will stimulate the production of milk. If the udder is still tight four days after weaning and the mare’s temperature rises significantly, contact your veterinarian.

2. Weanlings should be housed in numbers rather than on their own as it reduces stress.

3. If weanlings are to be stalled then regular exercise is required to prevent any joint and bone deficiencies.

4. Hoofcare should include periodic trimmings and inspections for cracks, bruises and abscesses. The frequency of trimming will be influenced by the conformation of the foal.

5. Weanlings that are kept indoors cost more to keep, but they also become less hassle to handle when they are older as they have learned to accept human contact.